Vague [CD-single] [Enhanced]

Vague [CD-single] [Enhanced]

Track Listings

1. Vague [Video Enhanced CD Single]

2. Vague [Radio Edit]

3. Vague [Remix]

4. Obvious [Remix]

5. Obvious [Remix]

6. Leave Me Out [Remix]

Tracks:

Love Will Tear Us Apart
Just Cant Get Enough
In A Manner Of Speaking
Guns Of Brixton
This Is Not A Love Song
Too Drunk To ****
Marian
Making Plans For Nigel
A Forest
I Melt With You
Teenage Kicks
Psyche
Friday Night Saturday Morning
Sorry For Laughing

Amazon.com

Recycling the 1980s sound has been in vogue lately, so it's no surprise that the producing team known as Nouvelle Vague would find yet another way to mine the nostalgia for the early `80s, post-punk era. They're doing it bossa nova style.

The disc opens with a rendition of Joy Division's "Love Will Tear Us Apart." It's a charming start, and with a breathy chanteuse on vocals, it's exactly the kind of sound that has some music critics proclaiming (admittedly with a touch of sarcasm) that Nouvelle Vague is the ironic dinner music for the new millennium. Unfortunately, this CD is somewhat less winning as it wears on. "Guns of Brixton" is annoying when done in a loungey mood, and sitting through "Too Drunk to F**k" in the wrong company could certainly ruin the amuse bouche. Nevertheless, the entertaining tracks do outweigh tiresome ones on this release. If this concept sounds like an interesting idea to you, you're bound to get a smile from the execution. --Leah Weathersby

Customer Reviews:

Lounge with spunk.......2007-07-08

Or is it punk? Anyway I've got a weak spot for lounge music and this may best, edgiest lounge you'll ever hear. Frankly, I'm not all that familiar with most of the originals so I have no idea how much they've been maimed here. All I know is that the vocals are inspired and impossible to ignore.

In Love With This Album!.......2007-06-07

I absolutely LOVE this album! I listen to many different genres of music but I have to say that this album is one of my ultimate favorite cd's! I don't get tired of listening to it! I'm so glad I was introduced to Nouvelle Vague and I have shared this cd with many friend of mine...I then recently purchased their second album Bande A Part, but I was disappointed however, it's not nearly as good as their first...I love 80's music, Bossa Nova, AND Nu Wave, definetly recommend this cd!

Brilliantly different..........2007-04-15

First time through this distinctly "left field" album is likely to leave you a bit confused... laid back interpretations of classic 80's rock tracks served up as nonchalant, bossa-nova driven Anglo-French lounge music. Ridiculous? Well, fortunately not, because in here are some absolute gems - so good that once you've locked into what's going on you'll find them completely irresistible. Which ones depends on where you were at the time but, for me, "Teenage Kicks", "Love Will Tear Us Apart", "We're Only Making Plans for Nigel" & "Just Can't Get Enough" are so beautifully structured and darkly exciting that they're worth the price of the album on its own. But, as you'll see from the other reviews, there's a lot more on offer. Sure, some tracks miss it... but most don't and, insidious and clever, they add up to a brilliant, very different and probably unrepeatable "one off".

Relaxing AND Catchy!.......2007-04-10

Well .... this album combines two of the better qualities I like in a CD. Nouvelle Vague is relaxing -- and extremely catchy! 'Love Will Tear Us Apart' sets the tone from the very beginning ... the comfortable bossa nova rhythm leads to a chorus I found myself whistling along with ... while Nouvellle Vague's catchy take on 'Just Can't Get Enough' had me humming along. I mentioned in another review that I'm not too familiar with the 70s/80s originals ... and because of that I find that this album of covers is a stand-alone, especially for those that are fans of rhythmic bossa nova, samba, and jazz. For me, every song on this album is strong ... As a picky and eccentric listener, this is one of the few times I can play through an entire album and never have to skip a track. It doesn't mean that I don't have favorites on this album -- 'Marian' was the reason I decided to buy the CD. I bought this CD with Bande a Part, because there were several songs on that CD that I felt compliment this one ... but this CD, Nouvelle Vague, is the stronger of two excellent CDs.

Mixed bag gives bossa nova swing to olde inde faves.......2007-01-23

This outing from the cover band Novelle Vague satisfies immensely in many ways, and just plain misses in others. If you are an old timmer who grew up on the originals (like me) then you may find this newly vamped bossa nova approach to 80s post-punk staples a fun filled romp down nostalgia lane. It isn't for everyone, though, and a word of caution to those of you who are missing out by not having heard the originals (all brilliant in their own right) first. The often covered Joy Division classic, "Love Will Tear Us Apart," gives us a warmer rendition than the bleak original, but not better, just different. Of stellar mention is their fun, catchy cover of the DK's hc classic "Too Drunk to..." and the Clash's London-calling era ska-soaked "Guns of Brixton." I will also add that their cover of the insufferably boring "This is not a Love Song" (of disco-era post-Pistols Johnny Rotten PIL fame) gets a great face lift...upwards: Simply awesome!! On the other hand, Nouvelle Vague miss almost entirely on the gothic realm, as best evidenced by their butchering of Andrew Eldritch's "Marian" (off the Sisters of Mercy's first LP, "First and Last and Always") and with their mediocre quickening of The Cure's "A Forest" (which seems to be popular in covering, especially with the techno / rave crowd). Overall this is a good buy, but it does have a couple renditions that deserve a quick skip with a toggle of the fast forward button. A better NV effort is showcased in their "Bande A Part" LP, where they do a fantastic cover of the power-punk-pop classic "Ever Fallen in Love," a former Buzzcocks masterpiece. 4 stars for effort and originality.

Average customer rating:

Whether you know the songs already, or not, this is a nice spin
Catchy!
Great Music!
Great Chilling Music
Excellent

Bande a Part
Nouvelle Vague
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Euro Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

French Pop | Euro Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Dance & DJ | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Talk to La Bomb
Brazilian Girls
LateNightTales
The Reminder
Grazie

ASIN: B000EJ9N6Y
Release Date: 2006-06-27

Tracks:

Killing Moon
Ever Fallen in Love?
Dance with Me
Don't Go
Dancing with Myself
Pride (In the Name of Love)
O Pamela
Heart of Glass
Confusion
Human Fly
Bela Lugosi's Dead
Shack Up
Let Me Go
Fade to Grey

Album Description

European edition includes a different tracklisting to both the US standard and limited edition pressing! This 14-track import features three tracks not featured on either of the US pressings, 'Human Fly' (originally by The Cramps), 'Escape Myself' (The Sound) and 'Waves' (Blancmange). Sophomore album, following 2004's self-titled release, from French duo who cover 80s new wave and new romantic songs ina loungecore/tropicalia style. Self-consciously arty and ironic - their name references the 60s French "new wave" of cinema and the album is named for the cult film ('Band Of Outsiders') by Jean-Luc Godard - their gimmick has nonetheless made them one of the Peacefrog label's biggest sellers. Other highlights include, 'The Killing Moon' (Echo and the Bunnymen), 'Bela Lugosi's Dead' (Bauhaus), 'Blue Monday' (New Order) and many more! Peacefrog. 2006.

Customer Reviews:

Whether you know the songs already, or not, this is a nice spin.......2007-06-02

I am familiar with about 95% of the original songs on this album, so I went into listening to this with the usual scepticism. Turns out though, this album both pays homage to the originals, yet makes them their own. The actual music on this recording is extremely well played/recorded & you can hear all of the little nuances. Sometimes the singing & the music get a little washed out by their use of ambient noises, but all in all, it a well done album.

I saw one reviewer saying all his female friends like it & I can see why it would be considered more of a "chick" album, but I think their are enough guys who can relate to the original (mostly from the 80s) songs & appreciate this album. It's not for everyone. I am the first to admit that it can grate on my nerves sometime in the fluffy washy kind of way the voice sings, but that's why I have so much music to choose from.

In general though, I am glad I got a random point in this direction.

Catchy!.......2007-04-10

I'm one of the listeners who isn't totally familiar with most of the 70s/80s originals ... and maybe because of that I really find that this album stands alone. The 'Nouvelle Vague' style given to all of these covers is intriguing and definitely catchy. Those who like bossa nova and the new soft-voiced European style should check into this album. The vocals unexpectedly drew me in and captured me after several listens ... but the instrumentation is excellent. Relaxing. Two tracks - 'Dance With Me' and 'O Pamela' - stand out in this album, both for their bittersweet intrigue. After listening to the album several times through, though, it was 'Ever Fallen in Love' and 'Escape Myself' that really stuck in my head ... so that later on I'd find myself humming different parts from these two ... and then have to listen to them again just to get them right. Bande a Part is standalone ... but I myself bought it with Nouvelle Vague's self-titled cd, so I feel that these two really go hand-in-hand, with the consistent style. Both are definitely keepers -- I can listen to them over and over regularly, and haven't tired of them yet.

Great Music!.......2007-03-17

A very different spin on old songs. Very soothing voices and background sounds.

Great Chilling Music.......2007-02-21

Listen to this music at late night, and it will relax you. Love it.

Excellent.......2007-01-09

All my female friends who come over to me and have the chance to listen to this album ask me to copy it for them (or to be politically correct: lend it to them...). What could be a better review than this??? So go and see for yourself!

Average customer rating:

Disappointing follow up to first album
Best if you know the originals?
Post-post Modern Re-envisions
great follow up
I have only listened to the samples but....

Bande a Part
Nouvelle Vague
Manufacturer: Luaka Bop
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Euro Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

French Pop | Euro Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Talk to La Bomb
Brazilian Girls
LateNightTales
Return to Cookie Mountain (with Bonus Tracks)
New Wave

ASIN: B000GGSMF8
Release Date: 2006-08-22

Tracks:

The Killing Moon - Originally recorded by Echo and the Bunnymen
Ever Fallen In Love? - Originally recorded by The Buzzcocks
Dance With Me - Originally recorded by The Lords of the New Church
Don't Go - Originally recorded by Yazoo
Dancing With Myself - Originally recorded by Billy Idol
Pride (In the Name of Love) - Originally recorded by U2
O Pamela - Originally recorded by The Wake
Heart of Glass - Originally recorded by Blondie
Confusion - Originally recorded by New Order
Human Fly - Originally recorded by The Cramps
Bela Lugosi's Dead - Originally recorded by Bauhaus
Shack Up - Originally recorded by A Certain Ratio
Let Me Go - Originally recorded by Heaven 17
Fade To Grey - Originally recorded by Visage
Moody - Originally recorded by ESG
Sweet and Tender Hooligan - Originally recorded by The Smiths
Blue Monday - Originally recorded by New Order

Album Description

In 2005, the French duo's eponymous debut introduced their singular take on post-punk nuggets by the likes of Joy Division, Depeche Mode, Tuxedo Moon, and The Undertones, recasting them as svelte, sophisticated bossa nova-inflected chansons. This follow-up is a beguiling, retro-futurist odyssey, containing covers of Echo And The Bunnymen, The Buzzcocks, Lords Of The New Church, Billy Idol, U2, Blondie, New Order, The Cramps, Bauhaus, The Smiths, and more. "...a beautiful, melancholy exercise in deconstructing familiar songs and reassembling trace amounts of the melodies into fresh music" - Boston Globe. "Fresh (and refreshing) takes on these classics...The songs are so wildly different in their dreamy form that they stand on their own" - Flaunt. The limited edition includes a special o-card highlighting the three bonus tracks: "Moody" (ESG), "Sweet And Tender Hooligan" (The Smiths), and "Blue Monday" (New Order).

Customer Reviews:

Disappointing follow up to first album.......2007-06-07

I am so in love with their first album, in fact it is one of the favorite cd's I own! I can't get enough of their first album, but I recently purchased this Bande A Part and was really disappointed! I really haven't listened to it that much, it just didn't capture my attention as their first album did. Now I don't know if I want to buy their latest cd or not.

Best if you know the originals?.......2006-09-28

I'm not entirely sure what listeners who aren't familiar with most of the original versions will get out of this album. As someone who went through punk, new wave, new romantic, goth and indie-kid phases in the late 70's/early 80's but who now listens to lounge, bossa, dub and nu-jazz I'm surely part of a very small group to whom Nouvelle Vague's work is perfectly pitched.
The standouts for me are the sublime opening track and a kittenish reworking of Human Fly. Some of the other covers work less well, including a way-too-respectful attempt at Pride. Potential buyers should also be warned that there several different editions of this CD aimed at various international markets. Check the tracklistings before buying
Never thought I'd ever again listen to Bela Lugosi's Dead by choice...

Post-post Modern Re-envisions.......2006-09-21

Not the same "wow" as the first album (as it came out of left field), but definitely not a victim of the sophomore jinx either. In regards the song selections, Punk Music had its time & place, and to hear these songs (which probably are familiary anyone who has listened to popular music from the early 80s onward) done differently is interesting, worthy of any true music fans attention (I would have loved to hear Nouvelle Vague do a version of The Clash's "Rock The Cassbah."

Nouvelle Vague's artistic angle reminds me of jazz, in that the "studio" or album version was just the blueprint, the springboard, and what the musicians do on stage can be markedly different. So-called pop music (whether it's punk, hiphop, bubblegum, ska, classic rock) could all be reinterpretted (like this straight raggae disc of Police songs that I heard -- it's those lyrics, but done with a Trenchtown groove) -- and anyone who tells you it can't or it shouldn't is being closed minded.

And speakig of Sting, he does a lot of reinterpreting of his music (like on his Bring on the Night CD or the MTV Unplugged session) -- it makes it that much richer. Remember so-called symphonic classical music was improvised upon in its day.

great follow up.......2006-09-15

I could not disagree more with the previous review. Although the first ablum is probably stronger, the second is a great follow up. Most people just don't get this band. I saw em last Friday in LA, and I will never view "to drunk to F*ck" the same way again. Moreover for the live preformances, the songs were tricked out different from the album recordings. I grew up with these songs to, and love these versions. If it was not for KCRW I would have never heard of this band, somehow, I don't think that KCRW is known for playing bands that stink.

I have only listened to the samples but...........2006-09-13

Sorry but I have only listened to the samples of the tracks, courtesy of Amazon. BUT I grew up on these songs. If you listen to the originals, there is such diversity in style, in sound. However here everything is one-dimensional. If you have heard their version of "Fade to Grey" you know how "Human Fly" is going to sound, even though the originals are POLES apart.

It sounds like one song repeated ad infinitum, with different lyrics. I apologise to those that like this; I am sorry if you think that listening to the samples is not sufficient to give an informed opinion. If you want to sleep, BUY THIS.

Average customer rating:

New Wave
Nouvelle Vague
Manufacturer: District 6
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Dance Pop | Compilations | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Euro Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

French Pop | Euro Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

LateNightTales
Hey Eugene!
The Reminder
Bande a Part
We Are the Night

ASIN: B000PAAI8Y
Release Date: 2007-06-05

Tracks:

Polyphonic Size - Mother's Little Helper
Jo Lemaire - Je Suis Venu Te Dire Que Je M'en Vais
Paul Haig - Running Away
Joy Division - Sister Ray
Nico - Heroes
Snake Finger - The Model
Honeymoon Killers - Route National 7
Devo - Satisfaction
Antena - The Boy From Ipanema
Elton Motello - Jet Boy Jet Girl

Tracks:

The Stranglers- Walk On By
Silicon Teens - You Really Got Me
Karel Fialka - People Are Strange
Devine & Statton - Bizarre Love Triangle
Duran Duran - Fame
Gary Numan - Broadway
Visage - In the Year 2525
OMD - Waiting For the Man
The Original Mirrors - Reflections
Flying Lizard - Move On Up

Album Description

2007 US 2-CD album set comprising a 24-track nspired collection of 80's New Wave bands performing classic pop covers compiled and mixed by Nouvelle Vague, including tracks by Devo, OMD, The Stranglers, Gary Numan, The Flying Lizards, Visage, Duran Duran, Nico, Joy Division and more. District Records.

Delibes - Lakmé / Mesplé, Burles, Soyer, Millet, Opéra-Comique, Lombard [highlights]

Average customer rating:

Great treat for the musical omnivore
Delibes Lakme
did not order
Lakme
Classic Lakme

Delibes - Lakmé / Mesplé, Burles, Soyer, Millet, Opéra-Comique, Lombard [highlights]
Léo Delibes , Choeurs et Orcestre du Théâtre National de l'Opéra-Comique , Alain Lombard , Mady Mesplé , Danielle Millet , Charles Burles , Roger Soyer , and Jean-Christophe Benoît
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

$7.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

The Most Famous Opera Duets
Rapture: Opera's Most Heavenly Moments
Delibes: Lakme (Highlights) / Sutherland, Bonynge
The Most Famous Opera Arias
Aria: A Passion for Opera

ASIN: B000002S1Q
Release Date: 1990-05-15

Tracks:

Lakme: Prelude
Lakme: Act I: Duettino: 'Viens, Mallika...'
Lakme: Act I: Air: 'Prendre Le dessin...' (Gerald)
Lakme: Act I: Recit Et Strophes: 'Les Fleurs Me Paraissent Plus Belles' (Lakme)
Lakme: Act I: Duo: 'D'ou Viens-Tu?' (Lakme, Gerald)
Lakme: Act II: Stances: 'C'est Un Pauvre Qui Medie ... Lakme, Ton Doux Regard Se Voile' (Nilakantha)
Lakme: Act II: Scene De La Legende De La Fille Du Paria (Air Des Clochettes): 'Par Les Dieux Inspires ... Ou Va La Jeune Hindoue' (Nilakantha, Lakme)
Lakme: Act II: Duo: 'Lakem, Lakme, C'est Toi' (Gerald, Lakme)
Lakme: Act III: Berceuse: 'Sous Le Ciel Tout Etoile' (Lakme)
Lakme: Act III: Recitatif Et Cantiene: 'Quel Vague Souvenir...' (Lakme, Gerald, Frederic, Nilakantha, Choeur)
Lakme: Duo et finale: 'Tu M'as Donne Le Plus Doux Reve' (Lakme, Gerald, Nilakantha)

Customer Reviews:

Great treat for the musical omnivore.......2007-05-18

'Lakme', a lesser known work by Leo Delibes is not 19th Century opera at it's zenith, but then who wants to listen to 'Tannheuser' or 'Aida' all the time. For those like me who enjoy poking around some of the less familiar corners of world music, this is a great find. It has lots of the same feel of later, 20th century stage music, and the French is a nice change from the German and Italian heaviweights. It also has a few of the very nicest operatic duets in this collection of highlights.

Delibes Lakme.......2007-05-13

The music was beautiful and haunting. I am especially fond of Flower Duet and have loved it from the first time I heard it some years ago. This whole recording is great and I have much enjoyed it!

did not order.......2007-03-11

I did not order anything and did not receive anything and i told my credit card company to put the charge in "debate"
murray coe

Lakme.......2006-01-14

Mady Mesple is simply the best for this role. Yes, Joan Sutherland is known for this song (and I love Sutherland), but I have to say this opera is Mady's. When I hear the Bell Song sung by Mady - chills go up my spine. Definitely a keeper!

Classic Lakme .......2003-07-07

Mady Mesple in her signature role - she made her debut in 1953
in Lakme and has been considered one of the best exponent of
the role throughout her distinguised carreer. The archetype of
the light french coloratura soprano - the voice is small and
slightly tremoulous but well focused and her technical assu-
rance (stupendous high notes) refined musicianship and idioma-
tic phrasing make for a highly polished performance. Charles
Burles is light and musical and blends exquisitely with Mesple
in their duets while Roger Soyer's rich voice makes him a
strong presence. The supporting cast is in very capable hands.
Well recorded and conducted - a classic performance indeed.

Average customer rating:

Great CD I imagine

LateNightTales
Nouvelle Vague
Manufacturer: Late Night Tales UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Dance & DJ | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Bande a Part
LateNightTales: Belle & Sebastian
New Wave
New Wave
Back to Mine

ASIN: B000L42HWO
Release Date: 2007-02-12

Tracks:

(What I Like Most About You Is Your) Girlfriend) - The Special A.K.A.
Come on Eileen [Exclusive Cover Version] - Nouvelle Vague
Baby - Os Mutantes
Unless - Pale Fountains
San Francisco Is a Lonely Town - Charlie Rich
Movement of Fear - Tones on Tail
Chaos - Phoebe Killdeer
Urban Serenade - Avril
And I Love Him - Shirley Horn
Vespertine Park - Gavin Bryars
Fire in the Forest - David Sylvian
Civilization - The Art Bears
You're My Thrill - Peggy Lee, Sy Oliver,
By the Time I Get to Phoenix - Glen Campbell
Poisson des Mers du Sud - Isabelle Antena
Last Trick - Anja Garbarek
Nicole - Camille, Les Petroleuses
Phoenix - Cibelle
You and Your Sister - This Mortal Coil
Lonely Girl - Julie London
What I Ate - David Shrigley

Album Description

The Late Night Tales CD series (formerly Another Late Night) is one to kick back to while you expand your horizons. This edition is compiled by Nouvelle Vague, who usually perform cover versions of '80s hits with a Latin lounge flair. This set follows on from compilations by Belle & Sebastian, The Flaming Lips, Fourtet, Jamiroquai, Nightmares on Wax, Turin Brakes, Sly & Robbie, Groove Armada and others. Includes tracks from The Specials, Os Mutantes, Pale Fountains, Tones On Tail, Julie London and an exclusive Nouvelle Vague track, their cover of Dexys Midnight Runners' 'Come On Eileen'. Azuli. 2007.

Album Details

Marc Collin and Olivier Libaux Are the Pair of Pop Subversives Responsible for Nouvelle Vague, the French Band Whose Self-titled Debut Album Won Hearts (And Soundtracked Movies) in 2004. The Duo Took 13 Songs from the Post-punk Era and Re-imagined them as Bossa Nova Tunes; The Lightness of Touch and Deft Production Somehow Lifting the Project from the Land of the Kitsch and Placing it Firmly Where it Belonged: Midway Twixt Avant-garde and Pop. In Fact, an Album that Would have Happily Sat in the Ztt Catalogue 20 Years Ago. If You Want to Know Where the Heads of Nouvelle Vague Are At, "Late Night Tales" Gives You a Wee Glimpse Through the Twitching Curtains of their Lustrous Minds. If Acid House Had Exploded in a Fetid Basement in Rue Hachette Rather Than the Repressed and Sweaty Confines of Thatcher's Britain, it Might have Sounded Something Like This. Torch Songs, Songs of Redemption and Remorse, Heartbreak and Uplift. Mood Music of Elevators and Elevation.

Customer Reviews:

Great CD I imagine.......2007-03-01

Hi, my name is Jayson, and I am 13 and a half years old. I was over at my friend Brian's house, and his sister was listening to this CD. She is cool but she is a private person. She didn't like us practicing karate, so she turned up her stereo, and my friend Brian and I ended up practicing karate to the CD. I think everyone should own this CD, and I would like to get a copy for my birthday. 5 stars.

Average customer rating:

ORDER AND BEAUTY
Breathtaking

The Songs of Henri Duparc

Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

The Songs of Chausson / Lott · Murray · McGreevy · Trakas · Chilingirian Quartet · G. Johnson
Gabriel Fauré: The Complete Songs, Vol. 3
Fauré - The Complete Songs, Vol. 4 ~ Dans un parfum de roses
Debussy - Mélodies / Ameling · Mesplé · Command · Souzay · von Stade · Baldwin
Songs by Bizet

ASIN: B000002ZLE
Release Date: 1993-06-21

Tracks:

L'Invitation au voyage
Serenade florentine
Testament
Phidyle
Extase
La vague et la cloche
Chanson triste
Le Galop
Romance de Mignon
Serenade
La Fuite
Lamento
Elegie
Le manoir de Rosemonde
Au pays ou se fait la guerre
Soupir
La vie anterieure

Customer Reviews:

ORDER AND BEAUTY.......2006-08-30

Duparc composed little and published less. The 17 songs with piano (including one duet) that we have on this disc - just over one hour of music - constitute virtually all he chose to leave us as a musical legacy after more than 80 years of life. Some of the poets he set are familiar names - Baudelaire, Gautier, Sully-Prudhomme, Leconte de Lisle, one translation from Goethe - but three of the 17 are by one Jean Lahor. What they have as a common theme is a sense of incapacity to deal with mundane life, this manifested in the earlier poems as an escape into fantasy and dreams, lapsing into lonely sadness in the later. Whether the poetry of Lahor is of `middling quality', in the supercilious phrase of the liner-note writer, I wouldn't be knowing. My own French has no difficulty with understanding the literal meaning of anything here, and it is probably up to recognising the stature of Baudelaire, but whether it is good enough to pass such judgments on the plain and innocent-seeming verses of Lahor I am not so sure. It seems to me that a native speaker of French might miss the magic behind the simple diction of Housman, and what I seem to find in Lahor is at least a patent and fragile sincerity.

This poetry is set to a music of exquisite refinement and poise. There is clear influence from Wagner in one or two ways, particularly in some of the more vigorous accompaniments and probably also in the almost total avoidance of word-repetition, but the very French sense of atmosphere is as strong as it is in Debussy, and the vocal lines combine a Wagnerian flexibility with a delicate lyricism that recalls Berlioz. Duparc was also an outright perfectionist, and perfectionism is catching. It infects even such a slattern as I am myself when I listen to these fine-spun little masterpieces, and it seems to me that nothing less than total perfection in their performance can do them full justice.

What I find in this recital is total perfection from Thomas Allen, but only excellence from Sarah Walker and Roger Vignoles. They all show thorough understanding of this music, and they convey their understanding with both power when required and discretion, which is always required. I could probably ask for nothing more by way of insight into the soul of the works. Where I find something slightly lacking is at a more mundane level. Apart from a couple of slightly uneasy high notes, Sarah Walker's technical command is assured, and I feel more than a little ungallant in saying crudely that her voice is not quite what is needed for Duparc - it is just slightly ordinary, and her French is not as good as Allen's either. As the recital progressed I longed more and more for Veronique Gens, whose memorable Berlioz Nuits d'Ete came back forcefully into my mind. As for the accompaniment, it calls for the highest praise in its mastery of the idiom and style (which are more varied than you might expect). Vignoles catches the special and elusive atmosphere of this special and elusive composer with genuine and deep insight, and there is real and impressive power in the later sequences of the last song of all. However the shortcomings - slight but in this context very telling - are once again at a more humdrum level. The touch needs to be the last word in the `order, beauty, comfort, peace and pleasure' that Baudelaire himself yearns for in `L'Invitation au Voyage'. In particular the frequent tremolando sequences call for superhuman evenness, and when I ask myself `Who do I want to be doing this?' the answer that comes to me is as much a fantasy as anything in the poems - I want Michelangeli.

For some reason credits are given in the liner to the translators of only three of the poems. I can think of no reason for this discrimination, and all the translations are in my own opinion excellent. I spotted no misprints in either English or French, unless Baudelaire's `ciels', which Lahor and I thought was `cieux', is one of those and not his divine afflatus as I am assuming. The liner-note itself is businesslike and informative, and the recorded quality gives me no grounds for criticism. This is a fine production, and whether or not I have laboured my reservations unduly I recommend it cordially. Perfection was what I had wanted. It is not quite what I have got, but I have got a great deal nonetheless, and it may be a long time before I am given as much again.

Breathtaking.......2002-08-23

The music of Duparc is as intense, layered, complex, and as emotional as the man who wrote it - who in fact, drove himself mad in the process. To convey this music effectively, a journey must be taken by the vocalist and the pianist into rich text and engulfing harmonies, without drowning in over analysis & self indulgence. There is a foreboding sense of secret, or the opening of a private self, and a great vulnerability and tenderness in this music. Here, the vocalists Allen & Walker, present immaculate readings of these 17 works, along with the supreme artisty of Vignoles. These recorded pieces are such exquisite duets between voice and piano that they leave you in rapture. Walker's mellifluous "Extase" with it's Wagnerian, lush accompaniment is impeccable and haunting. Allen opens his soul, along with those of the poet and composer, in "Soupir" - laden with all the angst of unrequited love. Both he and Vignoles transport their listener heavenward on soft stardust in their intimate "Serenade Florentine". This is divinely inspired music. Honest. Unpretentious. Transcendental.

Average customer rating:

New Wave
Nouvelle Vague
Manufacturer: District 6
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

LateNightTales
The Reminder
Keren Ann
Just Roll Tape: April 26th, 1968
Twelve

ASIN: B000Q677FO
Release Date: 2007-06-19

Tracks:

Polyphonic Size - Mothers Little Helper
Jo Lemaire - Je Suis Venu Te Dire Que Je M'en Vais
Paul Haig - Running Away
Joy Division - Sister Ray
Nico - Heroes
Snake Finger - The Model
Honeymoon Killers - Route National 7
Devo - Satisfaction
Antena - The Boy From Ipanema
Elton Motello - Jet Boy Jet Girl

Tracks:

The Stranglers- Walk On By
Silicon Teens - You Really Got Me
Karel Fialka - People Are Strange
Devine & Statton - Bizarre Love Triangle
Duran Duran - Fame
Gary Numan - Broadway
Visage - In the Year 2525
OMD - Waiting For the Man
The Original Mirrors - Reflections
Flying Lizards - Move On Up

Album Description

Nouvelle Vague presents New Wave features some of the great names of the 80's - Visage, OMD, The Stranglers, Joy Division, Gary Numan and Nico rendering their versions of classic tracks by The Rolling Stones, Bowie, The Kinks, The Velvet Underground, The Doors and others. Alongside these are more obscure bands - Belgium's Polyphonic Size, Antena from France, The Comateens from New York. Perhaps most representative of the spirit of the new wave movement as a whole and this album in particular is Belgium's Elton Motello deviant cover of Plastique Bertrand's international hit, Ã‡a plane pour moi.

Average customer rating:

Nouvelle and vague
More than elevator music!
Great concept, and it actually works great
disband this band
It shouldn't work, but it does

Nouvelle Vague
Nouvelle Vague
Manufacturer: Peacefrog
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Euro Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

French Pop | Euro Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Dance & DJ | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Bande a Part
Le Fil
Brazilian Girls
Orphans [Fold-out Digipak with 24-page booklet]

ASIN: B00018D3JQ
Release Date: 2004-08-03

Tracks:

Love Will Tear Us Apart
I Just Cant Get Enough
In A Manner of Speaking
Guns of Brixton
(This Is Not) A Love Song
Too Drunk to Fuck
Marianne
Making Plans for Nigel
A Forest
Psyche
Teenage Kicks
I Melt With You
Friday Night, Saturday Morning

Album Description

Nouvelle Vague is a French electronica project initialized by multi-instrumentalists and producers Marc Collin and Olivier Libaux.

Marc first came to recognition with his band Ollano, known for their Francophone trip-hop / jazz-fusion and his movie soundtracks such as "the kidnapper's theme". He soon moved into the realm of club music, initially recording for the UK's own Paper Recordings and progressing into a more creative and eclectic producer under the guises Avril on FCom, and Volga Select on Output Records.

Olivier Libaux has been involved with many French pop acts during the nineties and started working with Marc in 1998.

Nouvelle Vague which translates to "new wave" in English, and bossa nova in Portuguese, revisits a number of both Marc and Olivier's favorite tracks from the early eighties, taking in bands such as The Clash, Joy Division, and the Cure in a stunning combination of bossa nova, jazz and sixties pop.

Customer Reviews:

Nouvelle and vague.......2005-08-12

Take classic post-punk songs, by bands like Joy Division, the Clash, the Cure, and the Dead Kennedys which. Now give them a new sound: bossa nova.

That's the particular gimmick of Nouvelle Vague, whose self-titled debut is an ironic little curiosity. And while it has pretty, tongue-in-cheek covers like a sultry "Love Will Tear Us Apart," it never really rises above the status of "ironic little curiosity."

It opens with the legendary Joy Division song, done to a trippy bossa nova sound, and backed by lifeguard whistles and waves crashing. Then it dips into a chipper cover of Depeche Mode's "Just Can't Get Enough," a rather plodding acoustic cover of the Clash's "Guns of Brixton," and a mildly engaging version of the Undertones' "Teenage Kicks."

There are sultrier numbers as well -- the Cure get a cover with sultry night noises and slow guitar in "A Forrest," and "Sisters of Mercy" is practically transcendental. But while I love the Dead Kennedys' "Too Drunk to F*ck," it doesn't translate well to an awkward bossa nova rhythm. It doesn't fit in, and is distractingly disjointed even when taken by itself.

Is "Nouvelle Vague" a pretty bossa nova covers album? Oh yes. Will it actually be listened to again? Hard to say. It's an interesting listen, but a novelty rather than an album in its own right.

Certainly Nouvelle Vague has excellent choice in retro rock music, since they chose several excellent groups to cover here, and often their best songs as well. Some are catchy, some are cutely sugary, some are ethereal ballads. They're pretty to listen to, but somehow the individual flavour of each song gets lost in the downtempo sound.

Whatever you think of the music, it can't be denied that Camille Dalmais has an exceptional voice. Except for that painful screech in "Too Drunk To F*ck," she veers between the breathiness of Hope Sandoval to the sultry croon of Beth Gibbons. With a hint of Bjork as well, to be honest.

In or out of Nouvelle Vague, Dalmais has enormous talent, while the rest of the album is merely "okay" or even "just good." Diverting, but not the sort of thing to listen to over and over.

More than elevator music!.......2005-05-31

This is not for purists. People who hate Scissor's Sisters 'Comfortably Numb', for example, are not gonna be happy with french bossa re-enditions of Joy Division, The Clash, Depeche Mode and other holy cows of 80's post punk and new wave, no matter how well made and creative they are. However, if you like bossa nova and eclectic easy listening; if you enjoy a purr with french accent stroking your ear; if you have a sense of humor, and finally if you appreciate a charming, imaginative and wholesome take on tunes you've known and loved all your life, then you will really enjoy this album.

Great concept, and it actually works great.......2005-04-17

You're entitled to be skeptical about some French folks doing bossa versions of early 80s new wave songs. Their recent http://www.kcrw.com/show/mb set will turn you into a believer. Here's the mood and setting: It's an early '80s sultry evening on Ipanema beach....crickets chirp in the background, and a lonesome helicopter emerges, then disappears across the skyline.... and a girl sings and strums her guitar. So sit back in your lounge chair, sip your favorite cold and sensuous beverage, and enjoy.

disband this band.......2005-04-11

this band needs to be disbanded. They turned Love will tear us apart into an inspipid pop tune. such a blasphemy of one of the all time great song.

It shouldn't work, but it does.......2005-03-25

On paper, I thought this record would encapsulate everything I hate about some contemporary music, with its tendency towards glib pastiche, gutless irony and clueless appropriation. So it's with not a little surprise that I'm forced to report back..... this works! And I speak as someone who knows and loves the originals. Reinterpreting these classics from a feminine and non-british perspective brings out interesting new aspects of the tunes and foregrounds their melodic strength and lyrical sensitivity. Some skate onto the thin ice of novelty - in fact, I usually miss the first few (pretty lame) tunes out and play the disc from "Guns Of Brixton" onwards, but that doesn't mean the record overall is without merit. Some are really affecting - "Making Plans For Nigel" has a real pathos, "Marian" and "In a Manner of Speaking" are wonderful, and (my personal favourite) "Psyche" takes the anger and hysteria of the original and reworks it into a version that drips with controlled menace. Personally, I think the whole bossa tag puts a kitsch/ironic spin on expectations of this project that's unjustified. Ignore the carpings of purist punk dullards and the sniggerings of cloth-eared hipsters - give this baby a spin with an open mind and you'll be in for an interesting and enjoyable ride..

Average customer rating:

La Septième Vague
Laurent Voulzy
Manufacturer: Sony / Bmg Import
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | International | Styles | Music

International | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Saisons (Best of Laurent Voulzy)
Rouge Sang
La Femme Chocolat
Avril
Dreams: The Ultimate Corrs Collection

ASIN: B000FORACC
Release Date: 2006-07-10

Tracks:

Do You Wanna Dance?
Madrague
Oh Lori
Smooth Operator
Everybody's Got to Learn Sometime
All I Have to Do Is Dream
Septi Vague
Bicyclette
Here There and Everywhere
Clair
Derniers Baisers
59th Street Bridge Sons (Feelin' Groovy) - Alain Souchon, Laurent Voulzy
Yesterday Once More - Jean Lenour, Laurent Voulzy
Piano de La Plage
Shadow of Your Smile
Captain of Her Heart
Santiano
Light My Fire

Album Details

2006 Studio Album from the French Pop Star that Revisits 19 Classics that Created 19 Grand Memories of Summers Passed. All Are Performed Acoustically, Including "do You Want to Dance", "Everybody's Got to Learn Sometimes", "Here, There and Everywhere", "Claire", "The Captain of her Heart", "Light My Fire" and Many More.

Music Track:

Music Track

music track

Recommended Music:

Never Mind the Opened Minds (Definitive Edition)

Handel Highlights

bill88.com Music: 8 Hands On 88 Keys -- Chicago Blues Piano Masters

Music: Schnable in Performance

Music Review: #1 Hits [Box set]

Forever Gold Live [Live] [Original recording remastered]

I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got

Duelo de Alacranes

Hurricane Hustla [Explicit Lyrics]

White Christmas: A Christmas Festival

I Want My Roots